FollowTop Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help
If you don’t live with your elderly parents, there is a good chance that you probably worry about their health and well-being. There are some things you should look out for that are indications that something needs to be done. Here are some of the top signs that your elderly parent needs help.
Top Signs That Your Elderly Parent Needs Help.
Clutter– If you find your parents house full of clutter and messy does not always mean that they need your assistance. However, it is important that you do a random check to see if things are getting straightened out within a reasonable time or if it continues to pile up. Sometimes this means that they simply became too busy and became to tired to take care of the house. Other times it could be because this chore has become overwhelming to them and they have chosen to overlook it. Too much clutter can pose a health or safety risk so make sure to make an effort to stay on top of it in a non-threatening manner.
Unopened Mail– A senior parent will often leave mail unopened when they fail into a rut. They take on a cant be bothered attitude and at times even do not even answer repeated phone calls. Cheer them up a little by sending them a card in the mail. Then visit them to see if they have indeed opened it.
Unpaid Bills– At times, a senior parent may forget to pay bills. This could be because they were not thinking clearly or perhaps forgot. Gently approach them on the subject so you can get insight into why this was not taken care of. Having money and the ability to pay their own bills is a touchy subject, as money is a sign of independence. Expect to get a rash response.
Poor Hygiene– Having poor hygiene is a sign that an elderly parent may need your help. Sometimes they may forget to changes their clothes and wear the same clothes for days on end. They also may neglect bathing or sponge bathing or brushing their hair or teeth. Check to make sure that they have not injured themselves and perhaps suggest a trip to the doctor to check their overall health. Make it a priority to spend some time with them and make sure to communicate with them often. This way you can look for sign of deteriorating health.
Weight Loss– Sometimes grocery shopping and cooking can become overwhelming to a senior parent who may or may not have health issues. Cooking food for one person can be a chore to some seniors. They can go through a session in which they eat nothing but canned food that is easy to prepare or do not bother to eat at all. If the weight loss persists, make sure to take them to the doctor to check for any health issues that may be invisible to the naked eye.
Spoiled Food– Take an inventory check of their pantry and refrigerator for canned food that may have already expired or refrigerated food that may have spoiled and dispose of it.
Clothing- If you happen to notice your parent wearing clothes that are out of season, it could be an indication of confusion and should be looked into. Forgetting to take their medication or missing important appointments are also indications of confusion. Make sure that you get them to the doctors.
Keep your eyes open for any of the above changes in your senior parents everyday life. It could be an indication of deteriorating health. Prompt visits to medical professionals will determine the cause of these changes and several suggestions may be made to improve their overall health and living conditions.
we found out about my grandma when it was to late. Someone else came in and took all of her money and we just thought she didn’t like us come to find out it was Alzheimer and she didn’t even know us. She lost all of her life savings but we were able to get her the help she needed.
It can be such a hard topic to want to think about but when they need help we have to find a way to make it happen! It’s hard to convince them sometimes that it’s time for some help!
These are great signs to look out for. My parent is getting old and health is really getting a big issue. I am reminded how to be more alert and observant because of your post. Thanks!
My great grandmother has Alzheimer’s and we got her the care she needed. She is with family so if anything happens we’re there to help. It is so important to check on our elders! I am constantly calling my grandpa because he is already getting forgetful.
My Mom is doing pretty well, but we need to keep an eye out on my Grandpa. These are good things for me to take a look around for the next time we visit him.
amazing post with great tips.thak you for sharig.its really important to take care about these things while your parents are growing old.
Both my parents passed away at an early age but I know all too well from my husbands side of the family what to watch for. It’s a shame to see our parents and loved ones in such a state, I’m just glad there are so many wonderful facilities and alternative options for them. Thank you for sharing this important information! 🙂
This is a really great post. A lot of older folks are choosing to stay home instead of living in an assisted living facility, and they run into issues like these all the time. Thanks fo rhelping us look out for our elders!
My father was recently in a deep depression and had most of these symptoms. He is his 50’s. Luckily he is a lot better and these are wonderful tips and definitely something to always watch out for.
These are great signs, I had not heard of some of them before! I know I worry about my parents and other older family. I never would have thought to watch the mail great sign!
These are really great tips! Watching the mail is such a great tip – when my grandfather began to decline he turned over the paying of his bills. Weight loss and food spoilage are good signs as well. It’s hard to face sometimes, but it becomes a reality.